Antiques: License plates, children's books, Elvis memorabilia

Question: I have a small collection of license plates from Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. Most are from the 1940s and 50s. I have been tempted to toss them, but before I do my wife suggested I check with you.

- Ken, Mesa

Answer: License plates weren't always made of metal. In fact, some of the rarer ones were made of porcelain and are the ones collectors value most. Porcelain plates in good condition often sell for $500 and up. Steel plates with the aluminum "state seals" attached are also desirable. For those issued between 1915 and 1920, $75 and up; later ones about $20 or so. There are always exceptions to every rule when it comes of American collectibles. State centennial tags, for example. Typical prices for a 1937 Tennessee state-shaped plate, $75; a 1940 Minnesota centennial, $35; 1917 Oklahoma, $300; and 1977 Arizona solid-copper "Historic Vehicle" plate, $40.

Clark Wothe is the Arizona chapter president of the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association, alpsclub@cox.net and www.alpsclub.us. According to Clark, the Arizona centennial plate was chosen as the ALPCA best plate last year, beating out others issued in both the U.S. and Canada. The addresses of the national ALPCA club is 118 Quaker Road, Hampton, VA 23669-2024 and www.alpca.org.

A handsome Victorian-era oak rocker with tooled seat is $215 at Antique Gatherings, 3601 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

Q: I was a child during the 1940s and cut my literary teeth on some of my mom's storybooks, including "Gems from Mother Goose," "Five Little Starts" by L.E. Roy, "Dixie School Girl" by Gabrielle E. Jackson and the "Oz" series by L. Frank Baum. I have searched local bookstores but have not had much luck. Is there a bookshop specializing in older books for children with an extensive inventory?

- Barbara, Gilbert

A: Once upon a time, there was a magical place in San Diego with an inventory of more than 250,000 books for children. The Prince and the Pauper shop had a princess named Carrie Porter stationed at the main gate to guide you through her enchanting literary kingdom. Despite occasional attacks, the store fought off numerous dragons and continues to thrive.

Several years ago, I went in search of the 14-volume set of the 1942 edition of "Childcraft." Forget Dick and Jane, "Childcraft" was where I learned to read. After contacting about a dozen used-book shops throughout the country, I finally found it at Prince and the Pauper and lived happily ever after -- more or less. Contact is 6577 Delbarton St., San Diego, CA 92120, www.old kidsbooks.com, 619-283-4380. Open by appointment only.

Q: I have an Elvis Presley collection that includes an autograph. Could you recommend someone in Phoenix who might be interested?

- Audrey, Dewey

A: Now don't be cruel. You're probably going to think I ain't nothing but a hound dog, but I failed in my attempt to track down the president of a Phoenix Elvis club. There was no telephone number, and my letter was marked "return to sender, address unknown." I was about to check into Heartbreak Hotel when I remembered Jerry Osborne, an established dealer who buys, sells and appraises American collectibles including both Beatles and Elvis items. Contact is c/o Elvis Auctions, P.O. Box 255, Port Townsend, WA 98368, www.jerryosborne.com.

Q: My mother was a librarian and over the years amassed a collection of 100 bookmarks I have inherited. I am not sure what to do with them.

- Mary, Cave Creek

A: Since your letter was addressed both to me and "cranky cat," my personal secretary mentioned in an earlier column, Ruby Sue took notes in short paw and helped me answer your question.

Bookmarks are collectible but only to a limited degree. The one U.S. newsletter has ceased publication, and I could not find an active club in our area. I suggest you contact the Ephemera Society of America, P.O. Box 95, Cazenovia, NY 13035, info@ephemerasociety .org, 315-655-9139. This group focuses on paper collectibles. Go to www.ephemerasociety .org, click on "What is Ephemera" and a list will pop up including one for "bookmarks."

Q: I have a large collection of Lladro porcelain figurines and would like to sell it. Several pieces are quite rare.

- Bob, Cottonwood

A: Janet Gale Hammer, owner of A Retired Collection, deals in Lladro and maintains a customer want list. Her contact information is 550 Harbor Cove Circle, Longboat Key, FL 34228, www.aretiredcollection .com, 941-387-0102. One of the better price guides is "Collecting Lladro: Identification & Price Guide" by Peggy Whiteneck and published by Krause. Unfortunately, it is out of print, and copies online are expensive, $50 and up.

Q: When I was a child, the only way my mom could get me to drink my milk was by buying me a Shirley Temple mug and milk pitcher. I still have the pitcher. Do you have any idea of its value?

- Freda, Glendale

A: Several weeks ago when visiting shops in Glendale, I spotted a Shirley Temple pitcher with a price tag of $95. The cobalt-blue pitcher, a cereal bowl and mug were manufactured by the Hazel Atlas and the U.S. Glass companies from 1934 until 1942. Each piece featured an image of Temple, and they were given away as premiums inside boxes of Bisquick. Collectors should be aware that the reproduction elves in Asia have cranked out fakes of all three pieces, especially the pitcher.

Note: Sometimes when things seem too good to be true, they are. The Marilyn Monroe calendar referenced last week was indeed a reproduction. My advice: Always take a close look, and wear your glasses when you're in an antiques mall.

Larry Cox is a former antiques dealer and a longtime antiques columnist. To ask about your vintage items, send a letter to P.O. Box 47308, Phoenix, AZ 85068 or antiqueanswers@aol.com. Include your first name and hometown.